LET IT GO!

Posted on April 4, 2014 by randscallawayffm

LET IT GO!

Okay, now I’ve got you singing the song from the movie Frozen, right? It’s in my brain! Yes, I’ve only seen it 3 times and will probably see it more often, now that I have the movie at home for grandkids to watch. The theme? Let it go.

Let go of what people around you expect of you, see in you, and use their assumptions to talk about you. Let it go.

Our next verse in Psalm 119 reminds of this song:
“While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.” Psalm 119:23 Msg

The NIV version tells that leaders will do the same:
“Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.” Psalm 119:23

It is human nature to talk about someone else instead of talking to someone else. Sad, but true.

If we keep our heads and hearts tuned to God’s Word, and by the power of His Holy Spirit working in us, we can change this habit. Let it go.

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But until then, remember Whose you are and who you are in Him. That’s how the Psalmist got through those times of slander and bullying by the leaders of the day. He meditated on God’s Word. Begin with Psalm 139…

“I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too–your reassuring presence, coming and going.” Msg

Believe in what God says about you, not what others say, for God knows you better than you know yourself, and He speaks Truth over you. Every. Time. So Let it go. Let what others say about you..go.

You are God’s Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) and “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Ephesians 1).

Be blessed with one of my favorite passages…Romans 8, Msg:

“There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.”

“AND we know we are going to get what’s coming to us–an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!”

Can I get an amen???

So…LET IT GO! We are not defined by what others have said about us, what others are saying about us now. We are not defined by our past! We are defined by Who we know…God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. God is the only one who knows us, inside and out, so love Him back. Rely on His Word that tells you who you really are and what you are to do. As the Psalmist said…be “absorbed in pondering His wise counsel.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word gives us hope, peace and encouragement this morning. We are pondering your wise counsel to us. Thank you for knowing us so well and loving us anyway, unconditionally. I love you back with all that is within me. What’s next, Papa?
In Jesus Name, Amen

 
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THE MANY COLORS OF CRITICISM

Posted on April 3, 2014 by randscallawayffm

“Don’t let them mock and humiliate me; I’ve been careful to do just what you said.” Psalm 119:22, Msg

“Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statues.” NIV

“Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your decrees.” NLT

The cry of the Psalmist is maybe our cry from time to time, when we are criticized in many ways right at the peak of our work for God. We strive to follow every letter of the law of God’s Word and still it comes. Criticism is timely in it’s effort to bring down a person and the work they are doing. Criticism is powerful–if we let it. It can destroy the work (for only a time) and sometimes destroy or at least hinder the growth of people. It seems the greater the work (to help the most people) the greater the amount of criticism of the work. Fighting against it, alone, can be exhausting while all our energy is focused on the work. Many times the church shoots and wounds it’s own in the process.

WHAT TO REMEMBER!
1. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12, NLT Discern in your heart that this a ploy of satan working through one of your brothers or sisters to bring down the work by bringing down you. See it for what it is.

2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Jesus was mocked, criticized and ridiculed from the time he entered ministry until he was crucified on the cross for our sins. You are in good company IF you are following God’s Word, staying focused on what He has given you to be and do, and have a pure desire to bring HIM glory through the work. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”–Jesus.

3. Ask for God’s Help to discern the difference between real help from those who love God and love you versus criticism of those who are jealous that you are living the abundant life that they have avoided for a number of reasons. Criticism usually stems from the root of pride and self. Be wise, in other words. Listen, then pray, and the Holy Spirit will direct you to what is right.

4. Never stop following God’s Word! No matter what is said or done to you. I was once mocked because I got to the church early (before my scheduled work hours) where I was working as a pastor of discipleship, to dive into the Word, meditate and journal before beginning my day. I will never forget the audacity of this mocking! In my mind, my first response was WHAT? You brought me here to disciple and you don’t like the “textbook of life” that I use to digest before I try to help others? WHAT??

Then, after a few weeks of prayer over this disappointing, single incident, I began to realize quickly that our goals were very different. Sometimes God will take you out of places where you cannot do His will freely. Jesus told his disciples before sending them out to world, if you come to a place that won’t accept you, then shake the dust off your feet and move on. (Matthew 10:14, Luke 9:5, Mark 6:11) God’s Word and living it trumps everything this world, in and out of the church, has to offer.

5. God will take care of you. He will make all things work for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) And He will take care of those who mock you…and Him…in His time in His way. That is NOT our job. If we try to “get back” by using the same weapon as was dealt to us, having hate as a motive, then we are bringing ourselves down to the level of our accusers. Be silent. Take it. Jesus did. Then move on with the most important mission on earth that was given to us “Go and make disciples”. With that has our focus, all else, including the critical statements just melt or fall away. Our mission trumps criticism.

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Dear Heavenly Father, We are honored to come before you, following Your Word. We know full well that many will criticize all our efforts to obey you. But as you told Paul to write, we want to know Christ so we must share in His sufferings. Our desire is to love you back, so we will move on, at your command. The Psalmist cried out, “Don’t let them scorn and insult me” but we know that it will come anyway. We ask that you give us the power of Your Holy Spirit to combat the desire to get even and the discernment to know what is best to be and do. Be gentle with us, Lord. Be with us. 
In Jesus Name, Amen

 
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HAVE IT YOUR WAY?

Posted on April 2, 2014 by randscallawayffm
How’s that working for us? 

“You rebuke those cursed proud ones who wander from your commands.” Psalm 119:21, NLT

God hates arrogance even more than we do and will deal with proud people in His own ways. It is not up to us, no matter how annoying this is to us. Our focus is to make sure it isn’t US who are the proud, arrogant ones who are willingly and willfully ignoring God’s commands. Pride is at the core of disobedience and leads to thinking we are above the law code of integrity. And that brings the cursed life. Cursed with pride.

“You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed, and who stray from your commands.” Psalm 119:21, NIV

This gets leaders into trouble, cursed if you will, every time. “Well, because of who I am and what I’ve done, I don’t have to…or I don’t need to… or I have done enough to prove how important I am, so it’s okay to do…” Yikes! But this is the attitude of the arrogant. The kings of the Psalmist day had this kind of “I can do anything” arrogance.

Do you feel cursed? Do you feel things are just not falling into place? 

Sometimes we can be so humbled that we are proud to be humble! There, I said it. Out loud. This is not abundant living, either! ONLY reading God’s Word and not venturing out to live it to the full is a humble pride. Not allowing God’s Word to change the way we think and behave is a type of humble pride. Judging others for what they are doing is a type of humble pride, thinking you have it all together because of all the scriptures you know well. None of us has it altogether. “All have sinned and fall short…” as Paul puts it in Romans. 

This is not abundant life living. The writer of this Psalm is trying hard to follow all of God’s commands and looks around to see others not doing so and is struggling to stay true to God’s Word himself, it seems. But he finds comfort in God’s Word, even hungers for it, like we talked about yesterday, and stays focused on God’s rich commands that give life.

“And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them–let them have it!” Psalm 119:21, Msg

Well, okay then, the Message version brings out the cry of the Psalmist’s broken heart, pleading with God to take care of the arrogant. We should all do the same. Then move on in God’s Word and stay focused and excited about how God is changing us, one verse at a time.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word speaks volumes to us this morning. Again. We know You hate pride and arrogance more than we do and You will take care of it, in Your time, in Your way, to benefit Your Kingdom and bring You glory. Thank you for saving us from ourselves and all sin, for constantly being with us, and for giving us direction through Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for pointing out any offensive, prideful ways in us. Cleanse us, Lord. Make us white as snow, with no pride to show. In Jesus Name, Amen
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RAVENOUSLY HUNGRY!

Posted on April 1, 2014 by randscallawayffm
Just Jesus and me…eating and talking together…
“My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!–insatiable for your nourishing commands.” Psalm 119:20, Msg

I didn’t know what the next verse was this morning, but I awoke with a strong desire and an excited anticipation for what was next in continuing walk through the longest chapter in the Bible! It is amazing how God talks to us, pulls us in with His Holy Spirit and prepares us before we even get to the next stop on the journey, isn’t it?

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I put together my coffee and cheerios as quickly as possible this morning so I could get this next verse! And this is what I read, “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” (NIV version). I smile. Thank you, Lord for knowing me so well. I do love to study, meditate, and converse with you over Your Word, Your commands. Where else would I get perfect direction, comfort, and correction but from a loving Heavenly Father who knows everything and everyone on the planet and beyond? And You care for me.

Yes, dear Lord, “I am overwhelmed continually with a desire for your laws.” (NLT) I have 3 versions of this verse sitting in my lap as I study every way to say it out loud. I am convinced that Your Word draws me closer to YOU, that’s why I am humbled before Your throne as I reverently read Your love letter to me. I want to know You more! I want to emulate Your personality, your character and most of all, learn to love like You love. Unconditional love. 

YOU, Lord, have put this desire in me. I asked for it. You delivered. I’m Yours. All that I am, the good and the bad. Teach me to now to WALK Your Word with the same overwhelming desire that I have to read and understand it. And maybe, just maybe I can help someone else can know You more, too! By the power of Your Holy Spirit, In Jesus Name, Amen.

 
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JUST A STRANGER HERE…

Posted on March 31, 2014 by randscallawayffm

So, don’t get too comfortable…

“I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don’t hide them from me!” 
Psalm 119:19, NLT

As I meditate on this verse of our journey through Psalm 119, written by someone who struggles to stay focused on God and His law, it seems, but has the desire to be all that God wants him to be, I am beginning to understand why he calls himself a “foreigner”, a stranger in the land.

We just got back form a vacation, traveling from Fort Wayne to Myrtle Beach. As we stopped at various towns to fuel up and take care of our comforts, the “locals” knew we were “not from around here.” We dressed differently. We talked a language with a different dialect. But we still smiled at each other (mostly) and everyone knew we were just traveling through. 

Sometimes, as we travel through places we’ve never been before, we need direction and guidance, because “we’re not from around here” and don’t know the way to get back on the road to home. Have you ever been in that situation? We have. We either pull out the map to find the right road back to home, or we stop and ask someone.

“I need the guidance of your commands” says the Psalmist. We all do. We are all strangers on this temporary journey call life on earth. We are not home…yet. So, don’t get too comfortable where You live. Always live expectantly for the next and last stop on the journey. We live in “tents”, says the Apostle Paul which means we are very temporary. In the blink of an eye, we will be directed Home, our Heavenly, permanent, home, where we will need no more direction for we will be living forever in perfection! Hallelujah! 

But until that time comes…ask for directions! Stay in the Word, our heavenly preparation, by the One who loves us most! Hold fast to your salvation through Jesus Christ as Lord of your lives! Follow God’s Word as if Your life and the life of your dear family depended on it…oh, wait, it does! 

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Jesus who said he was going back to “prepare a place for us, rooms for all of us, who believe. I believe and I love you back with all my heart, mind, body and soul. Bless this day with all we need to glorify Your Name. And don’t ever stop directing me “home”.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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OPEN MY EYES!

Posted on March 30, 2014 by randscallawayffm

“Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders.” Psalm 119:18, Msg

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” NIV

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.” NLT

Dear Heavenly Father…simply OPEN MY EYES, my heart, mind and soul to wake up to what Your Word tells me. OPEN MY EYES to Truth while the world keeps telling me the opposite of who to be, what to strive for and how to treat others. Help me to know the miracle of Truth that sits before me, just waiting on me to absorb it, meditate on it, make it a part of me, flowing through every fiber of my being, so that I live it habitually…without thought of doing anything else but what Your Truth tells me and Your Holy Spirit shows me. 
Yes, Open my eyes, that I may see…
In Jesus Name, Amen 

And I’m singing in awe and gratitude…

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain 1:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.

Refrain 2:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.

Refrain 3:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my heart, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

By Clara Scott, 1895

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Yes, Lord, I see your wonder working power living and working through me. There is power in the blood!

The miracle of your Word is that everything false truly does disappear and Your Truth leaps off the page and into focus for our lives. For every situation. Amen. Thank you.

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BE GENTLE, LORD, BE GENTLE!

Posted on March 28, 2014 by randscallawayffm

“Be generous with me, and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.” Psalm 119:17, Msg

We want to learn, Lord. We desire the benefits of Your love to us. We pray, “Lord, break my heart of those things that break Your heart”, however we also ask You to be gentle and patience with us. And You are. Thank you!
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Dear Heavenly Father,
My life is in Your hands this morning. I give you my heart, mind, body and soul. My eyes are on You, seeking Your path, plan and purpose. I will move ahead when you beckon me with just the nod of Your head or the invitation of your hand to follow You. My focus on you is intentional and expectant. We love you, Lord. Your ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Your Word guides. Yes, be gentle with us as Your Holy Spirit works through us. Full life, abundant life, is what we desire with You, giving You praise and glory, all along the way. In Jesus Name, Amen

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FORGET? NOT A CHANCE!

Posted on March 27, 2014 by randscallawayffm

“I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.” Psalm 119:16, The Message

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There is nothing we have said or done that God will not use for His glory to accomplish His purposes through our lives. Everything, simply everything, good and bad, is used and not wasted. He will use it to continue to direct our paths, teach us through our mistakes and use all we have learned for the “next thing” He will do in and through our lives. And there will always be a “next thing”.

For that reason His Word is so important, so delightful, so incredibly predictable of His goodness and love toward us. He is FOR us. He is on our side! He continues to speak to us…through His Word. 

We must not forget His Word for He speaks life to us through His conversation with us! I take joy each morning in meditating on every morsel of Truth. Don’t you?

I recently developed a new relationship with a Godly woman who is also an author. We were “roomies” in Haiti so I got to know her well. We served, side by side, as we ministered together. I am now reading her book, Faithprints, an incredibly enriching book by the way on the power of God working through us to others…secretly. As I read, because I KNOW the author, I hear her voice speaking the words in print to me.

Do you know the author of the Bible? Do you know Him well? Do you have holy respect for the author? The more you know HIM, the more you hear HIS voice leap off the pages of His Word to you and give life to your heart, mind and soul. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Yes, I relish everything You have told me about life. You taught me about Your “lay down your life” kind of love…the greatest love. I delight in our conversations together, where I pray and talk to You, then you come to the garden of my heart and speak volumes of life into me through Your Word. You know me better than I know myself! Thank you for salvation, provision, protection and lessons learned. I will not forget all You’ve done!
In Jesus Name, Amen

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PONDERING…

Posted on March 26, 2014 by randscallawayffm

PONDERING…

“I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it.” Psalm 119:15 The Message

There is not enough pondering in this world. We jump from life event to life event without giving quality time to reflection. We can learn so much more with pondering. I love to ponder!

I love to think about what God thinks as we travel through this journey on earth, which is so temporary, so brief. I repent of wasting time by not taking time…to ponder.

Dear Heavenly Father,
In the beginning was You and only You. And then You simply said “let there be…” and there was and it was good in Your eyes. Then You created us to love You back because You first loved us. Some of us do and some of us don’t. As for me I do love You back, I repent of the lack of pondering when I rushed full speed into the pull of life. I now revel and reflect with carefulness, thinking about how You’ve done it…and continue to do it…for eternity. And I thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOLY CONVERSATION!

Posted on March 21, 2014 by randscallawayffm

HOLY CONVERSATION!.

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